Commercial umbrellas: size, base and canopy fabric
In Greece, shade is not a luxury. From May to October, guests at a pool, on a beach or in a café courtyard choose where to sit by where the shade falls. Commercial umbrellas need to cover the space properly, survive sun and wind for several seasons and be easy for staff to handle.
This guide covers choosing umbrella size and type, how heavy the base needs to be, which canopy fabrics last, and what to ask your supplier before you order.
Size: how much shade you need
Commercial umbrellas typically come in diameters or sides from about 2.5 to 4 m, and large telescopic umbrellas are also available for café and restaurant courtyards, covering several tables at once. As a rule of thumb, a 3x3 m square umbrella shades a table for four with its chairs, or two sunloungers with a small side table.
Remember that shade moves through the day. In the afternoon the sun is lower and the shadow falls at an angle, so an umbrella that covers a table perfectly at noon may leave guests in the sun by five o'clock. Square and rectangular canopies cover rows of tables or loungers more efficiently, while round ones suit single round tables.
- 2.5 to 3 m: one table for two to four, or a pair of sunloungers
- 3.5 to 4 m: a larger table or a group of seats
- Large telescopic umbrellas: courtyards with many tables
Centre pole or cantilever
Centre pole umbrellas are simple, sturdy and more affordable. They are the usual choice for beaches and pools, where the pole goes between two sunloungers, and for tables with a central umbrella hole.
Cantilever (side post) umbrellas keep the space under the canopy clear, which is practical for lounge areas, daybeds and outdoor sofas. Many rotate and tilt to follow the sun. Because the weight of the canopy sits off to one side, though, they need a much heavier base or a fixed floor anchor.
Umbrella bases and wind
The base is where most mistakes are made. The general rule is that base weight rises with canopy size and with the site's exposure to wind. A small umbrella in a sheltered courtyard can get by with a moderate base, while a 4 m umbrella on an open seafront terrace needs a far heavier base or a fixed anchor. Always follow the manufacturer's base weight specification for each model.
For permanent installations, plates or sleeves bolted or cast into the floor are usually safer than freestanding bases. On sand, use proper sand anchors or deep ground sleeves. Whatever you choose, umbrellas should be closed when the wind picks up and whenever they are left unattended, at night for example. Ask the supplier up to what wind strength the umbrella is designed to stay open.
Canopy fabric: colour, UV and water
A canopy takes intense sunlight for months on end. Solution-dyed acrylic is widely regarded as one of the best options for colour retention, because the pigment is inside the fibre rather than on its surface. Standard polyester is cheaper but usually fades faster.
Ask about fabric weight, water repellency, UV protection and light fastness. A vent at the top of the canopy relieves wind pressure and helps stability. Light colours keep the area cooler; dark colours give denser shade but absorb more heat. If you want a logo or a specific colour, ask for a sample before production.
Frame, operation and care
Aluminium frames are light and do not rust, wood looks warmer but needs maintenance, and fibreglass ribs flex in the wind instead of snapping. For umbrellas that are opened and closed every day, a crank or pulley mechanism makes life easier for staff, especially on larger sizes.
At the end of the season, clean the canopy with water and mild soap, let it dry completely and store it somewhere dry, because fabric that is closed damp will grow mildew. Check ribs, fixings and mechanisms before the next season, and ask the supplier whether replacement canopies and parts are available.
Pool, beach or café
At a pool the usual layout is one umbrella for each pair of sunloungers. On a beach, the terms of the seashore concession also apply and may set distances and clear zones. For a café, large umbrellas or umbrella clusters cover many tables, but you should check your municipality's rules on using public space.
Almeco supplies umbrellas, umbrella bases and sunloungers for hotels, beach bars and cafés, with delivery across Greece and the islands. Send us your site plan and we will prepare a quote with prices and lead times.